Wagon-step



(No Model.)

R. K. THOMPSON. WAGON STEP.

No. 440,661. Patented Nov. 18. 1890.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

ROBERT K. THOMPSON, OF BROXVNVOOD, TEXAS.

WAGON-STEP.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 440,661, dated November 18, 1890.

Application filed June 3, 1890. Serial No. 354,184, (No model.)

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that 1, ROBERT K. THOMPSON, a citizen of the United States, residing at Brownwood, in the county of Brown and State of Texas, have invented a new and useful Wagon-Step, of which the following is a specification.

The invention relates to improvements in wagon-steps.

The object of the invention is to provide a series of wagon-steps which will be simple and inexpensive in construction, adapted to be readily applied to a wagon-body, and 0a pable of permitting a driver to mount or dis mount- Without necessitating his dropping the reins, and which when not in use can be folded up out of the way of the wheels.

The invention consists in the construction and novel combination and arrangement of parts hereinafter fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and pointed out in the claim.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a perspective view showing my improved wagon-steps applied to a wagon-body and illustrating them in their position ready for use. Fig. iis a side elevation, showing the steps in their folded position.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, 1 designates a wagon-body provided with a series of approximately vertical straps 2, in

which is journaled a rod 3, that extends diagonally from the upper front corner of the side of the wagon-body to the lower edge of that side and is provided with a series of bracket-steps 4, arranged at different elevations and secured rigidly to the rod 3 and adapted to be raised from their lower or operative position by the turning of the rod to a folded position where theywill be out of the way of the wagon-wheels. The step-brackets 4E consist of a stem 5, having its upper end rigidly secured to the rod 3, and a step (3, formed integral with and extending horizontally from the other end of the stem. The upper end of the rod 3 is provided with a handle, by means of which the steps can be readily operated, and a suitable latch mechanism is designed to be provided to retain the steps in their folded position and prevent them becoming accidentally lowered while the wagon or vehicle is in motion. The steps afford means whereby any one can conveniently enter the vehicle, and they enable the driver to readily dismount and mount without necessitating dropping the reins.

From the foregoing description. and the ac companying drawings the construction, operation, and advantages of the invention will be readily understood.

Having thus described my invention, I claim The combination, with a vehicle-body, of the rod 3, provided at its upper end with a handle and journaled in suitable bearings and extending diagonally along the side of the body, and the step-brackets arranged at intervals along the rod and consisting of the stems rigidly secured to the rod and the steps formed integral with the stems and extending out horizontally therefrom, substantially as described.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my own I. have hereto aflixed mysignature in presence of two witnesses.

ROBERT K. THOMPSON.

Witnesses:

- A. I. SHELTON,

J. L. LAwsoN. 

